Nara Sightseeing & the World of Buddhist Statuary
Through this tour you will be intrigued with the charm of Buddhist statuary, which represents people's wishes and prayers. Figures of statues vary according to the development of eras from Asuka period to Muromachi period. At the same time you can visit Nara Park, where you can feed deer. Also you can visit a nice sake tasting place after the tour if you like.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Kintetsu Nara Station or JR Nara Station
Kohfukuji Temple and its national treasure museum
Nara Park ( You can enjoy feeding rice-bran crackers to deer.)
Isuien Garden, a strolling-style landscape garden with two different types of gardens built in different ages.
Todaiji Temple ( the Great Buddha Hall, Nigatsu-do Hall and Hokke-do Hall )
Kasuga Grand Shrine ( Strolling in the cedar forest is very cool and refreshing. )
Local sake tasting at a sake brewery in Nara Machi
Ending Point
Kintetsu Nara Station or JR Nara Station
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
guide fee
lunch, entrance fee ( ¥3600) for Kohfukuji Temple ( the national treasure house ) Isuien Garden and Todaiji Temple ( the Great Buddha Hall ) and local sake tasting (¥500 or more ) at the sake brewery.
Tour Important Information
This is a walking tour and it is desirable that you wear walking shoes or sneakers. A pet bottle of water is to be carried with you.
Important message from the supplier
It is desirable to carry overseas travel insurance because the guide is not liable for any damage or loss incurred during the tour. It is also requested to bring enough Japanese yen with you because some restaurants and taxis do not accept credit cards.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Yoshihisa T.
Hi. My name is Yoshihisa. Call me "Yoshie", please. It means good or O.K. in Japanese. I live in Joyo City, Kyoto Prefecture, located just in between Kyoto and Nara. I was born and raised in Iga, Mie Prefecture. Iga is a birthplace of ninja and a renowned haiku poet, Matsuo Basho. I might be a descendant of ninja. I aim at becoming a linguistic ninja, following a part of Basho's lifestyle with the incorporation of seasonal changes into my tours. In addition to visiting famous temples and shrines, I invite you to lesser-known places of historic interest.
Once in a month I go hiking or mountain climbing with some friends mainly in mountains surrounding Kyoto and Nara basins. Recently I have got intrigued by the charms of Buddhist statues, which are manifestations of people's wishes and prayers. I also like izakaya (Japanese-style taverns) hopping, tasting delicious dishes and locally brewed sake at reasonable prices. Especially I like communicating with people from home and abroad, talking face to face. Some of the above-mentioned elements are included in my walking tours. I hope you will discover new aspects of cultural and natural beauty in Kansai area through one of my tours which you could never gain otherwise.
One of my favorite phrases that come from Zen Buddhism is Ichigo Ichie or this meeting-but only once in a lifetime. My interpretation goes this way: This place and this moment never cross again. Each and every good encounter, however, lingers on like the sound of a temple bell. Won't you explore a deeper world of Japanese culture in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka with me?
Reviews
Jason U.
“A Golden Kyoto Experience ”
If you’re looking to cover a lot of Kyoto’s world famous attractions in one day, the Golden Tour with Yoshi is the way to go. The tour is very efficient, yet at the same time thorough and enjoyable. In the morning we visited Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji, and Ninna-ji before stopping for lunch at a local ramen restaurant where I had one of the best kitsune ramens. We then proceeded to Arashiyama, Tenryu-ji and Jojakko-ji before finishing at the renowned Fushimi Inari. Afterwards we had our first Izakaya experience at a wonderful small restaurant with seating for 8–10 guests where Yoshi has known the chefs for two generations. It was a full day that would not have been possible without Yoshi whose itinerary and knowledge of the area, together with extensive knowledge of Japanese history made for a wonderful experience. Highly recommend the Golden Tour with Yoshi.
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Yoshihisa T.
Hi Jason. Thank you very much for your heartwarming comment on my tour in Kyoto. I also had a great time, guiding and talking with you and your family. I hope you will return home safely with lots of nice memories of Japan. I wish every one of you good health and the very best of luck. Yoshie
Alessandro P.
“Simply the best!”
Yoshie was simply the best guide we could have asked for on our day in Kyoto. From the very first moment, he made us feel like old friends rather than tourists — kind, attentive, quick with a joke at just the right moment, and wonderful company throughout the entire tour. But what truly sets Yoshie apart is the depth with which he knows and shares Japanese culture. Every temple, every corner of Kyoto became a living story through him — not the usual tour-guide facts, but rich, passionate explanations that clearly reflected years of study and genuine love for his homeland. He helped us understand things we never would have grasped on our own, striking a perfect balance between cultural depth and lightheartedness. Beyond his extraordinary knowledge, it was his warm humanity that made the day unforgettable. Funny, present, and genuinely invested in giving us an authentic experience. If you're looking for a guide who combines deep knowledge, great energy, and a big heart, Yoshie is simply the right choice. We recommend him without any hesitation to anyone who wants to discover Kyoto through someone who truly loves it.
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Yoshihisa T.
Hi Alessandro. Thank you so much for your thoughtful review for my tour today. I really appreciate your kind comment. I had a very pleasant time, guiding and talking with you and your family, who were most attentive to my silly jokes and explanations. I hope you will continue a nice trip and return home safely with lots of good memories in Japan. Ichigo Ichie Yoshie
Ena S.
“Wonderful ”
The day we spent with Yoshi was absolutely great! Sooooo much in depth history & information.the itinerary was created with care for our interests; with such love to the city & desire to share this love with us Yoshi has wonderful sense of humor and shared interesting stories, poems & facts. To top it all his warmth & hospitality introduced us to a wonderful food & welcoming people. Thank you very much!!!
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Yoshihisa T.
Hi Ena. Thank you so much for your supreme review for my tour in Kyoto. I am very pleased to learn that you had a wonderful time, listening to my explanations and silly jokes about the sites we visited. I am also glad that you liked the dishes at the izakaya and enjoyed talking with people sitting next to us. I wish you good health and the best of luck! Yoshie
$247/ per group
More tours by Yoshihisa T.
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Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Nara
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NARA - Journey into Shinto and Buddhism
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NARA - Journey into Shinto and Buddhism
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Nara historical walking Tours(half day)
Nara is one of Japan's most-visited destination, small-group tour. Admire landmarks including Kofuku-ji Temple and Nara Park, Todaiji - Temple, kasura shrine. And local Conners !
Nara historical walking Tours(half day)
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Let's enjoy walking around the ancient city called Heijyokyo or Nara established in 710.
Nara is the most ancient city in Japan. You can see one of the most biggest images of Buddha in Japan called"Daibutu-san", and You also see many deer roaming freely around in Nara park. We visit Kasuga-Taisya Shrine ,founded to protect the Heijyokyo, which is also the deity of Fujiwara family is enshrined.
Let's enjoy walking around the ancient city called Heijyokyo or Nara established in 710.
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